Safety concerns on Abercorn Bridge to be addressed

Published: 13 December, 2012

West Tyrone MLA Declan Mc Aleer has welcomed a commitment from Roads Service to address safety concerns relating to the Abercorn Bridge in Newtownstewart. According to Mr Mc Aleer 'After tabling a question in the Assembly, I followed up this matter with correspondence to the Minister after a meeting on site at the end of November. I pointed out that during busy time's esp. mart days, vehicles can back up on to the A5 road and that this is a serious accident waiting to happen. 'I also highlighted the lack of traffic controls at the bridge where people exiting from Vaughans Holm where the mart, GAA ground, rugby, soccer, civic amenity site, Presbyterian hall and canoe facilities are located, are dangerously blinded to their left by the barriers on the bridge. 'I am now glad to note in the latest correspondence from the Minister that DRD have taken on board these concerns and in conjunction with the PSNI and the Livestock market operators are going to review access and parking arrangements to control the length of vehicle queues on market days. 'In addition to this, I am relieved that they are proposing to review the layout of the barriers on the bridge with a view to making adjustments to improve the visibility of vehicles crossing the bridge. In conclusion, Mr Mc Aleer said 'Obviously this is not a long term solution to the issue of Abercorn Bridge not being fit for purpose in the 21st century. However, I do welcome DRD's commitment to improve safety as a step in the right direction. It is vital that we take all possible steps to prevent accidents, injuries and deaths on our roads'.